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Florida and the presidential election

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A waitress chats with customers as she makes coffee at Cafe Versailles, a popular hangout for Cuban Americans, in Little Havana, in Miami, Fla. The restaurant is famous for its Cuban food. Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

When asked about the upcoming presidential election, Manuel Coll, a retired truck driver and musician who came to Florida from Cuba in 1960, suggests that Obama is in over his head. 'He (Obama) is not bad, but his suits are too big for him. Gingrich – he's prepared to be president.' Coll is a regular at Cafe Versailles in Little Havana in Miami, Fla. Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

First Lady Michelle Obama visits with military families, including Ashleigh Eleby and her brother, Logan, at a BBQ before a NASCAR race in Homestead, Fla. Mrs. Obama's visit highlighted new commitments by American companies to hire and train Miami-area veterans and military spouses. Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Jeannie Hochhauser, a retired schoolteacher, sits with friend Seymour Wilens at her condo in Sunrise, Fla. Though still for Obama, Ms. Hochhauser, like many
Jewish voters, is tepid in her support. ‘I don’t like the fact that he [Obama] is catering to the Arabs. It bothers me. But it bothers me more that seniors are hurting, and people are having to walk away from their homes.’ Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Tony shops line downtown Naples, Fla., a wealthy community on the Gulf coast that is a Republican stronghold. Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Tea party activists in Naples, Fla.– many carrying flags – gather in a local park for a food drive to benefit a homeless shelter and food bank. The tea party is active and well-organized in many parts of the state. Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

A tea party member in Naples, Fla., holds a 'Fire Obama' bumper sticker that other activists were passing out during a local gathering of the group. Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Sam Hayashi (l.) and Irina Tavera talk about the upcoming presidential election while visiting the Miami International Book Fair in Miami, Fla. 'I can’t imagine a young person not voting for Obama,' Mr. Hayashi says, though he acknowledges that by living in Miami, he’s in a bit of a progressive bubble. Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Luz Gaviria, originally from Colombia, became a US citizen in July. She runs a restaurant in the Kendall neighborhood of Miami. ‘This is my first election. He [Obama] is good, but I haven’t had a chance to check out the others.' Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

Occupy Miami protestors - part of the nationwide protest in support of Occupy Wall Street - have pitched their tents in a park by government buildings in downtown Miami, Fla. Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff

There are two burning questions heading into Thursday night’s Republican presidential debate: Will the audience applaud and otherwise express itself? And can Newt Gingrich regain his momentum against Mitt Romney ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal primary in Florida?